From November 2016, EDSNA (The Regional Association of Solid Waste Management Agencies of the Prefecture of Attica) implements a paper recycling program with the Sorting at the Source (SPS) system, in several municipalities. The program started with the aim to raise awareness and active participation of children, and for this reason promotional actions were taken in schools including distribution of special paper collection containers, informative material and interactive events. Soon after, the program addressed to large waste paper producers, such as public authorities, hospitals, and private companies with great success. The expansion and acceptance of the program, soon created the need for more resources, since more refuse collection vehicles and staff should be employed to cover the need for the collection of those special waste fraction containers.
For this reason, KAOUSSIS designed an innovative solution: An interchangeable CRV 2000 Standard® refuse collection mechanism. A versatile system -efficient enough for paper compaction- that could be used as a stationary compactor for paper collection, but also to serve the needs of EDSNA for mixed waste collection, reducing the investment on more equipment and staff.
The interchangeable CRV 2000 Standard® is actually a portable refuse collection mechanism that can be carried by a hook-lift vehicle and this way be operated as a typical refuse collection vehicle; and at the same time as a stationary compactor settled in areas where large quantities of refuse are generated, in EDSNA’s case, the paper.
The idea presupposed that the refuse collection mechanism should be powered by two different energy sources, in first case the hook-lift PTO and in second case the electricity network of the collection area. Furthermore, the electro-hydraulic system of the refuse collection mechanism should be adjusted to connect with these two different sources. For this reason, a portable electro-hydraulic unit going along with the mechanism was designed and manufactured to power the mechanism in the case of static collection, the refuse mechanism electro-hydraulic system was fitted with special adapters and connectors, the tailgate was fitted with durable roller bearings to be carried by the hook-lift, and the binlift was fitted with special adaptors to collect all different types of containers.
The result was a system that helped EDSNA to invest only in refuse collection mechanisms, utilizing the hook-lift vehicles which already was using, avoiding the investment on new trucks, and most importantly in new staff, since the refuse collection mechanism as a stationary compactor could be easily operated by the collection area permanent staff.
